Four reporters – including a University graduate – at St. Lawrence's National
Public Radio affiliate, North Country Public Radio, have been selected as
runners-up in the radio category for the 2005 Casey Medals for Meritorious
Journalism contest; a winner of the top prize in the category is a University
alumna who began her career at North Country Public Radio. The award honors
distinguished coverage of children and families, particularly the disadvantaged.

Martha Foley '74, David Sommerstein, Brian Mann and Todd Moe, of North Country
Public Radio, were chosen as runners-up for the story "Close to Homeless," an
in-depth look at the lives of low-income individuals and families. Judges stated,
"this story – featuring superb writing – paints a vivid picture of adults,
teenagers and children facing the threat of homelessness."

Winners were Nancy Solomon and Andrea de Leon '82, of National Public Radio, for
their story, "N.J. Child Welfare System." This story, judges stated, "covers all
aspects of an immensely complicated and important issue in a very short time.
We hear from foster children and foster parents, and about their valiant efforts
to overcome bureaucratic inertia. Yet the story doesn't demonize well-intentioned
but over-burdened caseworkers, instead placing the responsibility on state
decision-makers. What sets this story apart is the way in which it clearly
articulates a problem, traces the causes and offers potential solutions."

A team from WBEZ-FM, Chicago Public Radio, received honorable mention.